statement of research interest postdoc application

Search committee members are extraordinarily busy , so you must structure your statement strategically

Abstract : 10-15 lines at most. In a nutshell, what you work on and your plans for the next ten years in terms of the impact you hope to make on your field.

Ph.D work/background . What you worked on and what your work showed, demonstrated, elucidated, etc. Be very direct and to the point. Throw in anything the reader (who won’t be a specialist) will need to understand what you do.

Current postdoctoral research . Again, what you work on and what you hope to achieve. If needed, use a numbered list or bullet points.

Future Directions . I) What you hope to achieve over the next ten years; II) What you hope to achieve over the next 4-7 years; III) What you’ll tackle from the get-go(low-hanging fruits). Obviously, these are not sequential, but parallel. This section should be about 50-60% of the overall 3-5 page statement.  Once you're done, share your research statement with your faculty advisor and other colleagues for critical feedback.

• Meet the Mentors
• Get Involved
• Get the T-Shirt
• Life Science Marketing
• Community Marketing
• Custom Marketing

Join Us Sign up for our feature-packed newsletter today to ensure you get the latest expert help and advice to level up your lab work.

• Genomics & Epigenetics
• DNA / RNA Manipulation and Analysis
• Protein Expression & Analysis
• PCR & Real-time PCR
• Flow Cytometry
• Microscopy & Imaging
• Cells and Model Organisms
• Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography Techniques
• Chemistry for Biologists
• Basic Lab Skills & Know-how
• Equipment Mastery & Hacks
• Managing the Scientific Literature
• Career Development and Networking
• Dealing with Fellow Scientists
• Getting Funded
• Lab Statistics & Math
• Organization & Productivity
• Personal Development
• PhD Survival
• Soft Skills & Tools
• Software & Online Tools
• Survive & Thrive
• Taming the Literature
• Writing, Publishing & Presenting
• Writing, Publishing and Presenting

How to Write a Killer Research Interest Statement

A strong research interest statement can be the difference between being considered for a position and your application ending up in the bin. Check out these tips on how to make your statement stand out from the crowd.

Published December 6, 2023

Serena obtained her PhD in Neuroscience/Human Medicine from the MUI in 2013, for which she was awarded the Wilhelm-Auerswald-Prize from Bayer . She is a Freelance Scientific Writer and Medical Affairs Manager for Denk Pharma GmbH & Co. KG .

Listen to one of our scientific editorial team members read this article. Click  here  to access more audio articles or subscribe.

A research interest statement, essential for academic job applications, should concisely outline past, current, and future research within 1–3 pages. It must include a compelling introduction, detailed research plans, alignment with the targeted lab or department, and a strong conclusion. Personalization for each application, clear and concise writing, and incorporating feedback are key. For faculty roles, emphasize long-term goals and potential research contributions.

The day will come when your job contract ends or you feel like applying for a new and exciting position. You may feel a bit lost preparing all the documents you need for that new job post but don’t worry, help is out there!

When applying for a PhD, post-doc , or faculty position, you will need to provide your curriculum vitae (CV), including the contact information of two or more references, sometimes specific certificates (e.g., language certificate), and a research interest statement. A statement of research interests is a 1–3 page document (if the required length is not clearly stated) that describes your research until now, your interests, and your future plans.

Why Do You Need a Research Interest Statement?

This document is helpful for the lab/department that wants to hire you, as well as for yourself. A potential employer will learn about:

• your interests and experience;
• your passion for research;
• the match between your interests and the employer’s research;
• your ability to think logically;
• your independence from your supervisor;
• the extent of your writing skills (important for paper and grant writing) .

You will have the chance to:

• think about and define your future plans and research interests;
• gain confidence, and visualize your future career path.

Depending on where you are applying and for what position, there will be some differences in the requirements for the research interest statement. Sometimes you’ll need to produce a separate file, which is often required for faculty positions, and other times you can simply include your statement within your CV. Let’s start by defining what to do when applying for a PhD or post-doc position.

Research Interest Statement for PhD or Post-doc Positions

When the research interest statement is part of your CV, aim for one page or around 400 words. Pay attention: do not rewrite your CV—instead, clearly define your research interests. Highlight your scientific skills, your passion, and your ideas!

How to Write a Statement of Research Interests

How should you structure it? Think about how you would tell a story or write your thesis. You need an introduction, a main paragraph, future research ideas, and a conclusion.

Introduction

This summarizes the contents and guides the reader through your application.

Main Paragraph

This is the core of your statement. It contains your recent and current research, as well as your planned future research. If you have worked on several projects, make the connection between them. Write about how you became interested in what you have done and why it still interests you.

Capture your reader’s attention by telling a story, and your statement will be easy to remember. In this section, you can briefly describe any important recognition, such as papers, presentations, awards, and grants.

An important tip: your statement will be more powerful if you place your work in a broader context. Let your reader visualize the ‘big picture’.

Future Prospective Research

This describes your short-term goals (2–5 years). This section will differ depending on whether you’re applying for a PhD or post-doc position. For the former, write about additional technical skills you are planning to learn or how you want to broaden your knowledge in a certain field.

For the latter, try to be a bit more detailed and include how you plan to develop as an independent scientist. State how your research goals will align with the employer’s research, which collaborations you could bring to the department, and which departments on campus you could benefit from working with.

Use one sentence that essentially says why you deserve the job.

Research Interest Statement for Faculty Positions

Applying for faculty positions requires a bit more detail, and sometimes the research interest statement has a precise length (2–5 pages). The structure above is still valid; however, you will need to add long-term goals (5+ years).

You can think of it as comparable to writing a grant application . Include some preliminary data, if you can, and be detailed and precise. It’s crucial, in this case, to be able to visualize the ‘big picture’ without being too vague!

How will your research bring innovation into the field? Make sure you mention any potential funding your research could bring to the department and which laboratory equipment and space the department should provide you with.

You can mention any common campus facilities you plan to use. Include the potential applications of your research; collaborations with industrial partners can strengthen your application.

Important Reminders

Customize your statement.

A very common mistake is to use a basic template for each application. Your application will be better if you customize your statement.

Highlight Why You Are a Good Match for the Lab

Describe the match between your experience and interests and the lab/department you are applying for.

Sometimes it can seem really difficult to find a suitable match, but don’t despair; you need just one or two points of contact between your research/interests and the employer’s research.

Focus on Format

Write clearly, and be concise. Use single or 1.5 line spacing, short bullet lists, and clear subject headings. The clearer your statement, the more powerful your application!

Give it Time

One last tip: give yourself time to write. Leave the statement in your drawer for a few days and come back to it. This will help you obtain a different perspective on what you wrote. If you can, send your statement to friends and colleagues to get suggestions. Someone who isn’t from your field can also bring helpful insights.

Crafting Your Research Interest Statement Summarized

Creating an effective research interest statement for academic positions demands a well-structured approach, showcasing your research journey from past accomplishments to future goals.

This crucial document must be tailored for each application to demonstrate a clear alignment with the intended department or lab. Emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and compelling storytelling, with a strong opening and conclusion is vital.

For faculty roles, detailing long-term ambitions and potential contributions is key. A meticulously crafted research interest statement serves as a powerful tool in your academic career progression.

I hope this article will help you with your applications. Remember: stay calm and keep writing!

Additional Resources

Writing A Research Statement . Carnegie Mellon University Global Communication Center.

Originally published June 21, 2017. Reviewed and updated January 2021. Reviewed and updated November 2023.

Share this article:

More 'Writing, Publishing and Presenting' articles

5 ways to delay the publication of your manuscript.

Most scientists I know approach the publication process with fear and trembling: the endless discussions about what journal to submit to, the agonized consideration of impact factors, comparing the all-important “time to first decision”, etc. Now that I’ve been working for a scientific publisher for a few months, I’m surprised at how many manuscripts still…

You Shall Go To The Conference

So my PhD hasn’t been easy but whose has? And if it wasn’t for some supportive colleagues and some great advice I wouldn’t be where I am today, or where I was last year!  I found out about a great conference from a colleague, and their enthusiasm got me really interested when all I wanted…

10 Tips on Writing a Research Poster

A scientific research poster can be a great tool for drawing people into a conversation at a conference. We’ve pulled together our 10 top tips to help you prep perfect posters.

How to Avoid Accidental Plagiarism and Academic Fraud [BMA Podcast]

In the modern research environment we have all of the information we need to work with right at our fingertips – just a cut and paste away. And that makes it very easy for even the most well-meaning scientist to accidentally stumble into plagiarism. Most of us think of plagiarism as simply copying someone else’s…

How to Create an Effective PowerPoint Presentation

Presenting your work is a fantastic opportunity to get feedback on your project, demonstrate the significance of your results, and make the connections that will enhance your future career. And yet, how many incomprehensible lab meetings have we all sat through? How many seminars have you attended that left you feeling more confused than inspired?…

Step-by-Step Planning Before You Write

The prospect of writing an entire paper can be daunting. Our guide to planning a paper will help you break the project down into manageable steps.

23 Comments

Do these apply to post-bachelor positions as well?

Yes, I would so say. It might be more than required but it would definitely impress!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Raise your Research Game with Bitesize Bio

Sign up for our feature-packed newsletter today to ensure you get the latest expert help and advice to level up your lab work.

You’ll stay up-to-date with our podcasts, webinars, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.

Don’t delay! Sign up now

Newsletters

All emails contain an unsubscribe link. You can review our privacy policy , cookie policy and terms and conditions online.

• Technical Skills
• More Skills

Bitesize Bio Powered

• Microscopy Focus
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• v.22(12); 2021 Dec 6

How to write a successful postdoc application – the PI perspective

Shina caroline lynn kamerlin.

1 Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden

What are PIs looking for when they hire postdocs?

A few months ago, I was attending a virtual social event, and a junior colleague asked senior researchers at the event “so, what do you look for in a successful postdoc application?” This is obviously a topic of great interest to many potential postdocs: “how to write a successful postdoc application” generates over 7 million hits on a Google search. Indeed, the competition for postdoc positions is fierce. We typically receive 20–70 applications for each position we announce in my research group, many of which are outstanding. Choosing between such excellent candidates is far from trivial. So, in the face of such competition, what makes a successful postdoc application?

There are numerous webpages providing advice and strategies to apply for a postdoc position. My goal rather is to try to give insight into the perspective of PIs in physics, biology, and chemistry, based on answers to an online survey. I posted a link to the survey on my Twitter account @kamerlinlab and received 34 anonymous responses from chemists, biochemists, chemical biologists, computational chemists, biologists, and biophysicists. Clearly, this is by no means an exhaustive overview of PIs’ views, but there was significant overlap in the responses. While each PI evaluates postdoc applications with their own opinions and priorities, it shows some general aspects that they are looking for in an applicant, which could be helpful for aspiring postdocs.

The survey was comprised of both free‐text and multiple‐choice questions. The group sizes of the respondents ranged from 2 to 17 members (˜8 on average, not including the PI), of which between 0 and 8 (˜3 on average) were postdocs, along with various combinations of PhD students, Master’s students, undergraduate researchers, senior researchers, technicians, and/or lab managers. While there were some outliers who either rarely or continuously recruit new postdocs, most respondents typically recruit a new postdoc every 1–2 years.

So, what is it that PIs look for in an application? Common themes that emerged from the responses were: interest in the team’s area of research, independence, experience (in particular, relevance of experience to the position), qualifications and motivation, and creativity. A few respondents mentioned publications—in one case explicitly that they are not looking at quantity or impact factor, but at relevance to the research line of their lab—and some respondents provided more specific skills such as programming experience or leadership qualities. However, motivation and interest in the lab were recurrent and emphasized themes. In the same way, when asked what the biggest dealbreakers for an application would be, respondents frequently emphasized lack of motivation/interest, lack of relevant experience in the field, and generic cover letters (“Dear Sir/Madam”), signs of dishonesty in how applicants present themselves, over‐inflated claims of achievements or over‐inflated publication lists with papers in predatory journals, not being a team player, and in one case, no evidence of open science practices, in addition to other concerns.

When asked how often respondents recruit a postdoc who is changing research field, roughly a quarter of responders said that they would never do or have not yet done this. One PI mentioned they have a very small research team and do not have time to train new members in a new area, and others expressed concern about funding restrictions. This ties in with the emphasis on research background in terms of desired qualities for applicants. However, other PIs stated that they do recruit candidates with divergent backgrounds; what makes these interesting for them are typically motivation, drive, and the ability to really stand out and bring new skills. The value for the intellectual diversity of the research team was emphasized.

The detailed responses are shown in Fig ​ Fig1. 1 . Since I promoted the survey on social media, and since I actively promote and am involved in issues of research evaluation, open science, and a signatory of DORA, one might assume a selection bias among the respondents. With this in mind, it is nevertheless clear that, in general, the respondents did not strongly prioritize institutional prestige, bibliometrics, perceived excellence, or overall grades from prior studies—with a slight skew in favor of excellence. What did, however, stand out as being important was the quality of the cover letter, as well as relevant technical expertise for the position. When asked in a follow‐up question what the single most important thing a candidate can put in their application to stand‐out, respondents again emphasized independence, creativity, explicitly outlining how the candidate is interested in the project, new research ideas, and most importantly, the respondents wanted to be addressed personally and that it is clear why they are the research team the candidate wants to join. These points were again emphasized in additional comments, as well as the importance of performance at interview(s). One person once again stressed that a commitment to open science is helpful, another always checks high school/university math grades if available, and one respondent mentioned that they love the ‘other skills and hobbies’ section at the end of a CV, because it gives them some idea about the person they are hiring. While it is commonplace in continental Europe to include a photograph with the CV, photos can introduce and/or exacerbate the risk of unconscious bias in hiring decisions. Interestingly, none of the respondents mentioned looking at photos.

The responses to multiple‐choice survey questions, based on 34 responses total. Respondents were asked to rank (on a 1–5 scale where 1 is least and 5 is most important) the relative importance of institutional prestige, bibliometrics, relevant background, “perceived” excellence, the cover letter, and prior grades when evaluating postdoc/senior researcher candidates for their group.

As can be seen, there is no “one‐way‐only” solution to writing a successful postdoc application. Just like the applicants, team leaders are also individuals with different priorities. It is important for both sides to feel that this is a professional relationship that is likely to work out, and, as a potential postdoc joining a new research team, it is important to feel confidence that the lab is a good fit for you and for your interests. However, the repeating themes, which I also strongly endorse, are genuine interest in the work done by the research team you are going to join; relevant background and skills—even if they are not in the exact research area, explain why the skills you do have are transferable and what new benefits you could bring to ongoing or new research projects in the team; and personalization: a feeling that this is not a generic application that has gone out to a huge number of people. Postdoc positions are tremendously competitive, and none of the advice provided in this piece can guarantee a successful application. However, if you incorporate the three points into your package, and make sure that they come across clearly, it should increase the likelihood your application will be successful.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest beyond being a PI who is hiring herself.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank members of her research team for helpful feedback on the survey and question suggestions, as well as all survey respondents.

EMBO reports (2021) 22 : e54203. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]

Lynn Kamerlin is a regular columnist for EMBO Reports .

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="statement of research interest postdoc application"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Research statement, what is a research statement.

The research statement (or statement of research interests) is a common component of academic job applications. It is a summary of your research accomplishments, current work, and future direction and potential of your work.

The statement can discuss specific issues such as:

• funding history and potential
• requirements for laboratory equipment and space and other resources
• potential research and industrial collaborations
• how your research contributes to your field
• future direction of your research

The research statement should be technical, but should be intelligible to all members of the department, including those outside your subdiscipline. So keep the “big picture” in mind. The strongest research statements present a readable, compelling, and realistic research agenda that fits well with the needs, facilities, and goals of the department.

Research statements can be weakened by:

• overly ambitious proposals
• lack of clear direction
• lack of big-picture focus
• inadequate attention to the needs and facilities of the department or position

Why a Research Statement?

• It conveys to search committees the pieces of your professional identity and charts the course of your scholarly journey.
• It communicates a sense that your research will follow logically from what you have done and that it will be different, important, and innovative.
• It gives a context for your research interests—Why does your research matter? The so what?
• It combines your achievements and current work with the proposal for upcoming research.
• areas of specialty and expertise
• potential to get funding
• academic strengths and abilities
• compatibility with the department or school
• ability to think and communicate like a serious scholar and/or scientist

Formatting of Research Statements

The goal of the research statement is to introduce yourself to a search committee, which will probably contain scientists both in and outside your field, and get them excited about your research. To encourage people to read it:

• make it one or two pages, three at most
• use informative section headings and subheadings
• use bullets
• use an easily readable font size
• make the margins a reasonable size

Organization of Research Statements

Think of the overarching theme guiding your main research subject area. Write an essay that lays out:

• The main theme(s) and why it is important and what specific skills you use to attack the problem.
• A few specific examples of problems you have already solved with success to build credibility and inform people outside your field about what you do.
• A discussion of the future direction of your research. This section should be really exciting to people both in and outside your field. Don’t sell yourself short; if you think your research could lead to answers for big important questions, say so!
• A final paragraph that gives a good overall impression of your research.

Writing Research Statements

• Avoid jargon. Make sure that you describe your research in language that many people outside your specific subject area can understand. Ask people both in and outside your field to read it before you send your application. A search committee won’t get excited about something they can’t understand.
• Write as clearly, concisely, and concretely as you can.
• Keep it at a summary level; give more detail in the job talk.
• Ask others to proofread it. Be sure there are no spelling errors.
• Convince the search committee not only that you are knowledgeable, but that you are the right person to carry out the research.
• Include information that sets you apart (e.g., publication in  Science, Nature,  or a prestigious journal in your field).
• What excites you about your research? Sound fresh.
• Include preliminary results and how to build on results.
• Point out how current faculty may become future partners.
• Acknowledge the work of others.
• Use language that shows you are an independent researcher.
• BUT focus on your research work, not yourself.
• Include potential funding partners and industrial collaborations. Be creative!
• Provide a summary of your research.
• Put in background material to give the context/relevance/significance of your research.
• List major findings, outcomes, and implications.
• Describe both current and planned (future) research.
• Communicate a sense that your research will follow logically from what you have done and that it will be unique, significant, and innovative (and easy to fund).

Describe Your Future Goals or Research Plans

• Major problem(s) you want to focus on in your research.
• The problem’s relevance and significance to the field.
• Your specific goals for the next three to five years, including potential impact and outcomes.
• If you know what a particular agency funds, you can name the agency and briefly outline a proposal.
• Give broad enough goals so that if one area doesn’t get funded, you can pursue other research goals and funding.

Identify Potential Funding Sources

• Almost every institution wants to know whether you’ll be able to get external funding for research.
• Try to provide some possible sources of funding for the research, such as NIH, NSF, foundations, private agencies.
• Mention past funding, if appropriate.

Be Realistic

There is a delicate balance between a realistic research statement where you promise to work on problems you really think you can solve and over-reaching or dabbling in too many subject areas. Select an over-arching theme for your research statement and leave miscellaneous ideas or projects out. Everyone knows that you will work on more than what you mention in this statement.

Consider Also Preparing a Longer Version

• A longer version (five–15 pages) can be brought to your interview. (Check with your advisor to see if this is necessary.)
• You may be asked to describe research plans and budget in detail at the campus interview. Be prepared.
• Include laboratory needs (how much budget you need for equipment, how many grad assistants, etc.) to start up the research.

Samples of Research Statements

To find sample research statements with content specific to your discipline, search on the internet for your discipline + “Research Statement.”

• University of Pennsylvania Sample Research Statement
• Advice on writing a Research Statement (Plan) from the journal  Science

• Your Job Search
• Developing Application Materials
• Academic Job Market

Research Statement

Research statements are a frequent component of the academic job market application portfolio and one of the more field-specific documents. In a research statement, you are explaining to the search committee your scholarly profile, research agenda, impact of your work, and how your scholarship fits into the department and institution.

While the research statement can vary widely depending on field and institution, in general, research statements:

• Are up to two pages in length
• Written as first-person narratives (e.g., "My research focuses on ..."; "I consider ...")
• Address research topic and details
• Demonstrate methodologies used, approach, techniques, etc.
• Address the impact of your work
• Speak to future research agendas
• Can address questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Content Considerations

While your research statement needs to specify your current research and the foundation you have developed in your doctoral program, you also need to speak to how this current work relates to a future-looking research agenda. You want to talk the search committee through the evolution of your research from current project to future pathways. Think of the statement in three parts:

• What is the current state of research and why is it important to your field?
• What immediate work (publications, grants, impact) will you get out of this research? Why is it important?
• How will you use the skills built in the first two parts to develop future projects? In what direction do you hope to grow? How is this research possible at this particular institution?

Finally, think about the reader of your research statement: a search committee that may be familiar with your field but still requires an easily legible and accessible statement. While drafting and revising, keep this reader in mind:

• Will they understand the jargon?
• Can your research be understood by colleagues outside of your adviser, committee, and immediate peers?
• What about the student population at this institution? How can they be involved and help develop your research agenda?
• What resources (equipment, access, buildings) does the institution have and how can that help with your research agenda?

You as a Peer

Of utmost importance in a research statement is that you are not talking as a graduate student. You are not proposing a dissertation or potential experiment. In the research statement, you are delineating the contours of your research so a hiring committee can determine if it is in the interest of the department to invest in your candidature. Think about the position you are applying to:

• How does your research style fit within the department?
• How does your research complement projects or programs already underway within the department?
• How would your research engage with the department’s broader interests (e.g., their teaching output or interdisciplinary perspectives)?
• How would your research benefit the institution (grants, collaborations, new courses, new projects, etc.)?

As with all application documents, make sure to have multiple eyes on the content before submitting your statement. Take advantage of the support Northwestern provides from the Graduate Writing Place, Office of Fellowships, and Northwestern Career Advancement .

Postdocs can make appointments for individualized feedback with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs .

• Graduate School
• Newsletters
• GradProspect

September 2023

Top tip: how to write a strong statement of interest.

A statement of interest, also known as statement of intent and description of research interests, is an important component of most graduate school applications. According to one of our faculty members, “The statement of interest is your opportunity to provide more evidence that you will succeed in your program.”

So how to get it right? 

Read the instructions.  Visit the website of the graduate program you’re interested in and check what their guidelines might be. These may include page and word count limitations, document upload specifications and specific questions. 

Demonstrate fit. Show an understanding of the type of work done in the department, and provide an explanation of what you want to study, which should match up with some of the research interests in the faculty.

Be specific. Why UBC? Why this program? Be clear about what you want to do in the program and how the program can support you. 

Be flexible. Indicate your well thought out and informed ideas, but allow them to be malleable. Sketch out a potential research agenda with room for further developmentand show interest in both a particular research area as well as alternative projects.

Be clear. Avoid repetition. Watch out for spelling mistakes and typos, irrelevant personal information, information already contained in other parts of your application, as well as general statements of enthusiasm, empty loyalty, and vague references without any details. Most importantly, don’t forget to proofread. 

And if you feel stuck, start with these questions:

• Why are you interested in this field of study?
• What is your background and how does it relate?
• Can you describe your previous research experience and how it has formed your current interests?
• What is your motivation for proposing a particular research path?
• Are you able to connect your area of interest to work being done in the program?
• Is there anything the admissions committee should be aware of that is not addressed in other parts of your application?
• Why Grad School at UBC?
• Graduate Degree Programs
• Application & Admission
• Info Sessions
• Research Supervisors
• Research Projects
• Indigenous Students
• International Students
• Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
• Newly Admitted
• Student Status & Classification
• Student Responsibilities
• Supervision & Advising
• Managing your Program
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Professional Development
• Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
• Final Doctoral Exam
• Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Life in Vancouver
• Vancouver Campus
• Graduate Student Spaces
• Graduate Life Centre
• Life as a Grad Student
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• Meet our Students
• Award Opportunities
• Award Guidelines
• Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
• Killam Awards & Fellowships
• Policies & Procedures
• Information for Supervisors
• Dean's Message
• Leadership Team
• Strategic Plan & Priorities
• Vision & Mission
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Initiatives, Plans & Reports
• Graduate Education Analysis & Research
• Media Enquiries
• Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• Improving Student Funding
• Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
• Enhancing Graduate Supervision
• Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

• Public Scholars Initiative
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
• PhD Career Outcomes

Fellowship Personal Statement

Whether the personal statement is called Career Goals , Intellectual Excitement , or Statement of Purpose , it should contain a coherent theme that ties together your experiences, the goals of the program, and your research interests. Regardless of the structure you choose, the committee reading your application should get to know your scientific identity and see a place for you in their program.

Check out NSE’s page on fellowships to see which ones you may be eligible for. For more information on international fellowships, contact the Office of Graduate Education .

1. Before you start

Most applications are rejected if they look generic or the applicant appears uninformed about the target program. Your strategic goal is to demonstrate that you understand what they are about, and that your qualifications, values, and interests are a match for them. So don’t start writing yet—not until you’ve clarified this match for yourself.

1.1. Who are you?

You are more than a research project. Spend some time reflecting on your experiences and values. What do you care about? Why do you need this fellowship to accomplish your ulterior objectives?

Think beyond the technical space as well. If you only have one summer research internship because you spent your summers mentoring under-served high school students, use that to demonstrate your commitment to service and diversity. If you discovered a passion for fusion energy in your senior year and all your previous experience was optimized for an industry job, show that excitement to the committee. Whether it’s growing up on a farm, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or leading a high school robotics team, these experiences can be used to demonstrate motivation, commitment, and a good work ethic. These are attributes that can help you be successful in research.

1.2. What is your target program?

Take the time to carefully read about the program. Consider the goals of a fellowship and pay attention to any special requirements (e.g. Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit for NSF applications) as well as any tips they might offer on their websites.

As for t he backgrounds of the actual reviewers, the evaluating committee may vary from non-technical readers to specialists in your scientific niche. Usually, they are academics from your broad area of science (e.g., nuclear engineering) but not from your specific area (e.g., thermal hydraulics). Consider this as you choose the details and vocabulary to describe your current and former research and activities.

Return to Contents

2. What goes in your statement

As long as you stay within the specifications set by your target program, you have the freedom to structure your personal statement as you wish. Some programs have specific prompts seeking 300–500-word answers, and others ask for 2–3-page statements.

2.1. A personal narrative

Build a personal narrative that ties together y our personal history, experiences, and motivations. In addition to a few paragraphs (2–3) at the beginning of your statement, you can weave your motivation and goals throughout your document to create a cohesive story. This cements your identity into the minds of the reviewer. If they remember you, they will be more likely to accept you!

2.2. Your experiences: meaning and match

This section is typically 3–6 paragraphs long, with a few examples to illustrate your point. To decide which experiences to share, ask yourself these two questions:

1. In which ways did this experience help me grow? One common mistake is to describe an experience in great detail and fail to translate it into skills or qualifications. Instead, explicitly say what that experience means for your future goals. Ex: Building a fusor in high school has prepared you for laboratory work, or volunteering with a recycling program shows your dedication to protecting the environment. More details here.

2. Why should the review committee care? Make it very clear that you are a match for their program. Tie your experiences and their meaning directly to the qualities that the fellowship program is looking for in successful applicants. For NSF GRFP applications, you’ll need to have explicit sections for Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit. Be sure to explain how you and your project will fulfill these two goals.

2.3. Research interest

Spend 1-2 paragraphs describing your research goals. Depending on the application, you may or may not have a specific research statement. If you have a separate research statement , save the more specific research topics for that document, and reference them in your personal statement. If there’s no research statement, you should briefly summarize the projects you want to work on, and how those fit in with your experiences.

2.4. Career goals

Wrap up by looking into the future. Your long-term career goals should be a logical completion of the personal narrative you’ve built throughout the document, and usually takes up one paragraph. Will you leverage the fellowship to explore new and impactful ideas without established funding? Will you be able to engage in public outreach and education more easily with a secure source of funding? Answering these questions will show that you are forward-thinking and will put the fellowship to good use.

3. Maximize effectiveness

Now that you’ve got the main pieces down, revise your document to maximize its impact.

3.1. Be specific and quantitative (show, don’t tell)

Make your relevant experiences tangible by stating specific outcomes such as awards, discoveries, and publications. Whenever possible, try to quantify the experience. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students? Here are some examples of vague and concrete experiences:

3.2. Explain the meaning of your experiences

Your goal in sharing your experiences is to demonstrate that you have the qualifications, qualities, and promise found in successful recipients of that specific fellowship. Therefore, you will need to not only choose experiences wisely but also state specifically what they mean within the context of your application.

3.3. Match your level of specificity to your current academic level

Your current education level should influence the tone and topics you address in your statement. For instance, the NSF GRFP accepts applications from three levels of students: senior undergraduates, first-year graduate students, and second-year graduate students. The tone and specificity of your application should reflect your level. While senior undergrads can write generally about their future goals, second-year graduate students should write about specific progress towards career goals.

3.4. Try section headers

Consider labeling your sections to show the structure of your statement. These will guide the reviewer through your document and explicitly call attention to sections where you answer questions from the application material. In an NSF research proposal, “Intellectual Merit” and “Broader Impacts” section headers are specifically requested.

4. Quick tips

• Start early. It is critical that you spend the time to carefully read through the program’s solicitation and guidelines, and that you have the chance to receive and incorporate feedback on your drafts. The evaluation committee will be reviewing hundreds of applications and yours will be quickly dismissed if it doesn’t quickly make an impact.
• Pay close attention to formatting instructions. The NSF GRF Program is notorious for rejecting applicants who use the wrong font size or line spacing. Whatever fellowship program you apply to, make sure to follow the formatting instructions.
• Read the prompt carefully. Each fellowship is unique and will have unique requirements for their applications. If anything in those requirements contradicts with advice you read here or elsewhere, go with the application guidelines.
• Double-check your spelling and grammar. A well-written statement demonstrates your communication skills, which are essential for success as a researcher.
• Be strategic with letters of references. Do not go to professors who you think will write you the most positive letters. Instead, go to those who can write about specific experiences that demonstrates the skills that you want to highlight in your application. Each letter should bring new and complementing insights into who you are as a student and researcher.
• Check out other fellowship resources , especially those on the MIT Office of Graduate Education website . If you are an international student enrolled at MIT, you can email OGE ([email protected]) to learn more about your options.

5. Authentic Examples

Selection criteria can vary from year to year. Be sure to follow the most up-to-date guidelines provided by your target fellowship program, especially if you are referencing older examples. You can also find examples from across different disciplines here (scroll to the bottom).

To get started or receive feedback on your fellowship personal statement, make an appointment with one of us. We would love to help you!

• Appointments

• Resume Reviews

• Undergraduates
• PhDs & Postdocs
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• Online Students
• Career Champions
• I’m Exploring
• Architecture & Design
• Education & Academia
• Engineering
• Fashion, Retail & Consumer Products
• Fellowships & Gap Year
• Fine Arts, Performing Arts, & Music
• Government, Law & Public Policy
• Healthcare & Public Health
• International Relations & NGOs
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations
• Media, Journalism & Entertainment
• Non-Profits
• Pre-Health, Pre-Law and Pre-Grad
• Real Estate, Accounting, & Insurance
• Social Work & Human Services
• Sports & Hospitality
• Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
• Sustainability, Energy & Conservation
• Technology, Data & Analytics
• DACA and Undocumented Students
• First Generation and Low Income Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ+ Students
• Transfer Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Explore Careers & Industries
• Make Connections & Network
• Search for a Job or Internship
• Write a Resume/CV
• Write a Cover Letter
• Engage with Employers
• Research Salaries & Negotiate Offers
• Find Funding
• Develop Professional and Leadership Skills
• Apply to Graduate School
• Apply to Health Professions School
• Apply to Law School
• Self-Assessment
• Experiences
• Post-Graduate
• Jobs & Internships
• Career Fairs
• For Employers
• Meet the Team
• Peer Career Advisors
• Social Media
• Career Services Policies
• Walk-Ins & Pop-Ins
• Strategic Plan 2022-2025

Research statements for faculty job applications

The purpose of a research statement.

The main goal of a research statement is to walk the search committee through the evolution of your research, to highlight your research accomplishments, and to show where your research will be taking you next. To a certain extent, the next steps that you identify within your statement will also need to touch on how your research could benefit the institution to which you are applying. This might be in terms of grant money, faculty collaborations, involving students in your research, or developing new courses. Your CV will usually show a search committee where you have done your research, who your mentors have been, the titles of your various research projects, a list of your papers, and it may provide a very brief summary of what some of this research involves. However, there can be certain points of interest that a CV may not always address in enough detail.

• What got you interested in this research?
• What was the burning question that you set out to answer?
• What challenges did you encounter along the way, and how did you overcome these challenges?
• How can your research be applied?
• Why is your research important within your field?
• What direction will your research take you in next, and what new questions do you have?

While you may not have a good sense of where your research will ultimately lead you, you should have a sense of some of the possible destinations along the way. You want to be able to show a search committee that your research is moving forward and that you are moving forward along with it in terms of developing new skills and knowledge. Ultimately, your research statement should complement your cover letter, CV, and teaching philosophy to illustrate what makes you an ideal candidate for the job. The more clearly you can articulate the path your research has taken, and where it will take you in the future, the more convincing and interesting it will be to read.

Separate research statements are usually requested from researchers in engineering, social, physical, and life sciences, but can also be requested for researchers in the humanities. In many cases, however, the same information that is covered in the research statement is often integrated into the cover letter for many disciplines within the humanities and no separate research statement is requested within the job advertisement. Seek advice from current faculty and new hires about the conventions of your discipline if you are in doubt.

Timeline: Getting Started with your Research Statement

You can think of a research statement as having three distinct parts. The first part will focus on your past research, and can include the reasons you started your research, an explanation as to why the questions you originally asked are important in your field, and a summary some of the work you did to answer some of these early questions.

The middle part of the research statement focuses on your current research. How is this research different from previous work you have done, and what brought you to where you are today? You should still explain the questions you are trying to ask, and it is very important that you focus on some of the findings that you have (and cite some of the publications associated with these findings). In other words, do not talk about your research in abstract terms, make sure that you explain your actual results and findings (even if these may not be entirely complete when you are applying for faculty positions), and mention why these results are significant.

The final part of your research statement should build on the first two parts. Yes, you have asked good questions, and used good methods to find some answers, but how will you now use this foundation to take you into your future? Since you are hoping that your future will be at one of the institutions to which you are applying, you should provide some convincing reasons why your future research will be possible at each institution, and why it will be beneficial to that institution, or to the students at that institution.

While you are focusing on the past, present, and future or your research, and tailoring it to each institution, you should also think about the length of your statement and how detailed or specific you make the descriptions of your research. Think about who will be reading it. Will they all understand the jargon you are using? Are they experts in the subject, or experts in a range of related subjects? Can you go into very specific detail, or do you need to talk about your research in broader terms that make sense to people outside of your research field focusing on the common ground that might exist? Additionally, you should make sure that your future research plans differ from those of your PI or advisor, as you need to be seen as an independent researcher. Identify 4-5 specific aims that can be divided into short-term and long-term goals. You can give some idea of a 5-year research plan that includes the studies you want to perform, but also mention your long-term plans, so that the search committee knows that this is not a finite project.

Another important consideration when writing about your research is realizing that you do not perform research in a vacuum. When doing your research you may have worked within a team environment at some point, or sought out specific collaborations. You may have faced some serious challenges that required some creative problem-solving to overcome. While these aspects are not necessarily as important as your results and your papers or patents, they can help paint a picture of you as a well-rounded researcher who is likely to be successful in the future even if new problems arise, for example.

Follow these general steps to begin developing an effective research statement:

Step 1: Think about how and why you got started with your research. What motivated you to spend so much time on answering the questions you developed? If you can illustrate some of the enthusiasm you have for your subject, the search committee will likely assume that students and other faculty members will see this in you as well. People like to work with passionate and enthusiastic colleagues. Remember to focus on what you found, what questions you answered, and why your findings are significant. The research you completed in the past will have brought you to where you are today; also be sure to show how your research past and research present are connected. Explore some of the techniques and approaches you have successfully used in your research, and describe some of the challenges you overcame. What makes people interested in what you do, and how have you used your research as a tool for teaching or mentoring students? Integrating students into your research may be an important part of your future research at your target institutions. Conclude describing your current research by focusing on your findings, their importance, and what new questions they generate.

Step 2: Think about how you can tailor your research statement for each application. Familiarize yourself with the faculty at each institution, and explore the research that they have been performing. You should think about your future research in terms of the students at the institution. What opportunities can you imagine that would allow students to get involved in what you do to serve as a tool for teaching and training them, and to get them excited about your subject? Do not talk about your desire to work with graduate students if the institution only has undergraduates! You will also need to think about what equipment or resources that you might need to do your future research. Again, mention any resources that specific institutions have that you would be interested in utilizing (e.g., print materials, super electron microscopes, archived artwork). You can also mention what you hope to do with your current and future research in terms of publication (whether in journals or as a book), try to be as specific and honest as possible. Finally, be prepared to talk about how your future research can help bring in grants and other sources of funding, especially if you have a good track record of receiving awards and fellowships. Mention some grants that you know have been awarded to similar research, and state your intention to seek this type of funding.

Step 3: Ask faculty in your department if they are willing to share their own research statements with you. To a certain extent, there will be some subject-specific differences in what is expected from a research statement, and so it is always a good idea to see how others in your field have done it. You should try to draft your own research statement first before you review any statements shared with you. Your goal is to create a unique research statement that clearly highlights your abilities as a researcher.

Step 4: The research statement is typically a few (2-3) pages in length, depending on the number of images, illustrations, or graphs included.  Once you have completed the steps above, schedule an appointment with a career advisor to get feedback on your draft. You should also try to get faculty in your department to review your document if they are willing to do so.

Explore other application documents:

SUNetID Login

Search form

Prospective postdocs.

• How To Apply
• Open Postdoctoral Positions
• Finding a Faculty Mentor
• Cost of Living
• Fellowships at Stanford
• Fellowships outside Stanford

Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Ivana Maric

Important info.

For inquiries and submitting the required material please contact: [email protected] with the subject: Application for a Postdoctoral Fellowship.

We are looking for a scholar with research interests in applications of machine learning to health, interested to pursue a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University, School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California. The Scholar would work on a project with a team of Stanford faculty with expertise in maternal and infant health, and global health. The project provides a unique opportunity to apply advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to analyze data from multi-site cohorts of mothers and infants, with an aim to develop relevant prediction models to improve maternal and infant health globally, including in low-resource settings.

The fellowship is a one-year appointment, with an option to extend. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

1. Ph.D. in an analytical field with research experience in developing/applying machine learning models. 2. Excellent publication record. 3. Interest in medicine and biology. No previous expertise in life sciences or global health is necessary.

1. Curriculum vitae 2. Cover letter describing research background and interests. References will be requested later during the recruitment process.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Postdoc Benefits
• Open Postdoc Positions
• Diversity in Postdoctoral Scholar Training
• Postdoc Emergency Resources
• Verify Appointments
• Funding Guidelines
• Budgeting for Fellowships

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

Postdoc Research Associate - GeoComputing

• Anchorage, Alaska, United States
• UNAC Post Doctoral Fellow
• UAA College of Engineering

We are currently seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Geomatics at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). The selected candidate will be a key contributor to an innovative NSF-funded project. The position is available for immediate start, with an initial appointment for one year. Subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability, the appointment may be extended for a second year.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will become a key member of a dynamic GeoComputing research group within the Geomatics Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Your main role will be to contribute to a pioneering NSF-sponsored project that seeks to advance the capabilities of machine learning in addressing complex environmental challenges. You will be expected to develop new machine learning-based methods to manage and analyze complex and diverse geospatial data, aiming to provide enhanced solutions for critical environmental issues.

We are seeking candidates with a solid background in machine learning, geospatial sciences, surveying and mapping, or a closely related field. A successful candidate will be highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and possesses both a keen interest and the necessary skillsets in geospatial science/engineering.

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD degree in Surveying and Mapping, GIScience, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Science, or a related discipline.

Candidates should also possess expertise in geospatial AI, surveying and mapping, and machine learning.

Position Details:

This position is located on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus in Anchorage. This is a full-time, term-funded, post doctoral fellow position complete with both a competitive salary and  full employee benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, faculty time off (FTO), 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. 

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, academic transcript, and three professional references with contact information. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.  

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual:  www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination .

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Caixia Wang at [email protected] 

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

* Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA : (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online:  https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety . Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or  [email protected]  / 907-786-1214 or  [email protected] . 

UAF:  (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online:  https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or  [email protected] .

UAS:  (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online:  https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf . Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing  [email protected] .

Refer someone to this job

Recommended Jobs

Administrative/Fiscal Coordinator, Campus Services

Assistant or associate professor of aviation maintenance technology, records and assignments coordinator, residence life.

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to personalise content such as job recommendations, and to analyse our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you click "I Accept". If you click on "I Do Not Accept", then we will not use cookies but you may have a deteriorated user experience. You can change your settings by clicking on the Settings link on the top right of the device

• Skip to main menu
• Skip to user menu

Postdoctoral Fellowships: Immuno-Oncology

Job Details

Organizational background

The Centre for Oncology and Immunology aims to identify novel, “druggable” cancer targets for hard-to-treat malignancies using functional screens, animal and cell models (including organoids), immuno-oncology approaches, and advanced genomic and proteomic techniques down to single cell resolution. Our ultimate goal is to develop therapeutics against these targets, conduct clinical trials evaluating these drugs along with biomarkers, and facilitate commercialization worldwide. Success in this venture will address pressing unmet medical needs and establish Hong Kong as a leading hub of innovative anti-cancer and immuno-oncology drug development.

We currently have multiple postdoctoral fellowship positions available within our multidisciplinary research teams based In Hong Kong. These teams are involved in several collaborative projects with large international consortia and are comprised of basic researchers, clinicians, oncologists, and bioinformaticians focused on investigating the genetics and molecular biology of cancer, as well as the immune system, with the goal of devising and developing novel immunotherapies. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment, with the chance to contribute to a range of exciting international collaborative projects with our overseas collaborators at the University Health Network/Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Canada).

Our Centre is involved in several cutting-edge research areas, including:

• Synthetic lethal interactions with mutations that are commonly found in myeloid malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia) using state-of-the-art functional genomics tools, zebrafish models, as well as human and mouse in vitro and xenotransplantation platforms to identify personalized treatment for AML patients
• The use of 3D organoid culture as a disease model, together with gene transfection and genome-editing techniques, to study the functional roles of novel tumor driver genes in gastrointestinal cancers

Project iii

• The study of cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastrointestinal cancer
• The investigation of immunosurveillance characteristics and neuroimmune regulation in tumor progression and dissemination.
• The development of novel T Cell gene therapies for recalcitrant malignancies, leading to clinical trials and commercialization
• Integrative multi-omics data analysis, involving the development and application of bioinformatics methods to integrate and analyze multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) from cancer patients, with the goal of identifying novel immune-related biomarkers, molecular subtypes, and potential therapeutic targets for immuno-oncology treatment strategies

Job responsibilities

Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to collaborative research projects focused on anti-cancer or immuno-oncology drug development and cancer biomarker discovery using large-scale multi-omics approaches, organoid technology, as well as novel animal models.

Qualifications and skills

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or Biological Science, preferably with a focus on Cancer Biology, Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, Bioinformatics Studies, Single Cell Technology or Medicinal Chemistry.

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants in possession of the following:

Essential Skills:

• A proven track record of publishing academic research papers
• Specialized research interest and experience in the relevant key research areas stated above
• Understanding and/or experience in immuno-bioengineering
• Proficiency in molecular biology and cellular immunology laboratory techniques, including mammalian cell culture
• Experience in multidisciplinary projects and international collaborations

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, high-throughput screening techniques, next generation sequencing, and single cell sequencing technologies or;
• Specialized research interest in multi-omics profiling, bioinformatics, cancer metabolism, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery or;
• Understanding and experience in development of ‘muteins’ or;
• Understanding and experience in drug sensitivity screening and identification of new drugs for personalized cancer immuno-therapy or;
• Experience with mouse models, organoid models, zebrafish models and/or xenograft models or;
• Experience in animal handling techniques or;
• Experience in clinical trial theory and practice and establishing translational research processes and infrastructures

Applicants should have a good command of written and spoken English, strong communication and presentation skills, be self-motivated, hardworking and able to work well in an interdisciplinary team.

The appointees shall work in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

We welcome applications from overseas graduates who have obtained their qualifications from top 100 institutions for STEM-related subjects, as ranked by QS/Shanghai Jiao Tong University/Times Higher Education/U.S. News world university rankings.

Applicants for the Postdoctoral Fellow positions should possess a Ph.D. degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the mentioned or related disciplines.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit their up-to-date C.V., research publication list along with a cover letter highlighting their research accomplishments, and a brief statement stating the interested project (applicants may list more than one) explaining how their past research interest aligns with the key research topics of our Centre. The cover letter should also quote the job reference number and include information on current/expected remuneration and availability. All application materials should be sent to [email protected].

Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and will continue until the positions are filled.

The personal data provided during the application process will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposed. This data may be transferred and disclosed to, and used by, HKU Innovation Holdings Limited and The University of Hong Kong for the above purposes.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Digestive malignancies, including gastric, colorectal, liver and esophageal cancers as well as leukemias and lymphomas, are major health burdens in Asian countries. Today, gastrointestinal and liver cancers are becoming more common across Asia due to population aging, growth, and a rise in risk factors ranging from oncogenic pathogen infections to increased smoking and obesity.

Under the auspices of the InnoHK initiative, the Centre for Oncology and Immunology aims to harness the power of biotechnology to develop innovative therapies to combat these hard-to-treat malignancies and bring hope to millions of cancer patients around the world. The Centre for Oncology and Immunology is co-led by Professor Tak MAK and Professor Suet-Yi LEUNG of the Department of Pathology at HKUMed in discovering novel therapies in cancer treatment.

The Centre’s research team comprises globally renowned researchers who bring with them a wealth of complementary expertise and experience in oncology research, technology adoption, and commercialization. Individually, their research programs have led to major breakthroughs, including the devising of immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibition strategies that have been adopted as anti-cancer treatments, the establishment of next-generation organoid-based cell models for precision oncology, and the development of a diagnostic test for Lynch Syndrome (hereditary colon cancer).

The Centre will employ novel functional screens as well as genomic and proteomic techniques to identify novel "druggable" cancer targets. Leveraging the translational and clinical trial expertise of its lead scientists, the Centre will establish a number of advanced technical platforms to facilitate its overall goal of bringing candidate drugs and novel immunotherapy approaches into clinics.

As an international business hub at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong encourages collaborations between renowned research institutes and global pharmaceutical companies. Building on the city's robust healthcare system and diligent compliance with the research ethics requirements for the use of clinical samples, it will facilitate the Centre's aspiration to make Hong Kong a leading nexus of innovative anti-cancer drug discovery and production.

Share this job

Apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships: Immuno-Oncology

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required

When you apply for a job we will send your application to the named employer, who may contact you. By applying for a job listed on Nature Careers you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You should never be required to provide bank account details. If you are, please contact us . All emails will contain a link in the footer to enable you to unsubscribe at any time.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Similar jobs

Kaust global postdoctoral fellowship.

• Saudi Arabia (SA)

Global Talent Recruitment (Scientist Positions)

• Beijing, China

Post-Doctoral Fellow: Gut microbiome and mucosal immunology

• Esch-sur-Alzette (Commune) (LU)

Our lobby is open 9:00-5:00. We also offer virtual appointments.

Our lobby will be closed 2:30-5:00pm June 12th and all day June 18th & 19th.

• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Recent Graduates & Alumni
• Staff & Faculty
• Managers of On-Campus Student Employees
• Career Fairs
• Online Resume Review
• Drop In Coaching
• Career Coaching Appointments
• Workshops and Events
• Career Courses
• Connect with Employers
• Connect with Alumni & Mentors
• Free Subscriptions for Huskies
• Private Space for Virtual Interviews
• Husky Career Closet
• Professional Headshots
• Find Purpose
• Build Skills
• Get Experience (internships)
• Build Relationships (networking)
• Tell Your Story (profiles, resumes, cover letters, interviews)
• Find Success (jobs, service programs, grad school)
• Arts / Media / Marketing
• Consulting / Business
• Non-profit / Social Justice / Education
• Law / Government / Policy
• Physical & Life Sciences
• Sustainability / Conservation / Energy
• Tech / Data / Gaming
• First Generation Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ+ Students
• Students of Color
• Transfer Students
• Undocumented/DACA Students
• Student Veterans
• Students with Disabilities
• Featured Jobs & Internships
• Handshake Access Details
• Internship Advice
• On-Campus Employment
• Job Search Tips
• For Employers
• Peace Corps
• Diplomat in Residence
• Baldasty Internship Project
• Get Involved

2025 Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI): Open Call for Postdocs

• Share This: Share 2025 Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI): Open Call for Postdocs on Facebook Share 2025 Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI): Open Call for Postdocs on LinkedIn Share 2025 Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI): Open Call for Postdocs on X

Program Start Date : January – December 2025 (can be flexible within this time frame)

Location: South San Francisco

Length of Assignment : up to 4 years

Education Level: Recent graduates (three years since receiving a PhD degree), or in the final year of a PhD program.

The Opportunity:

Genentech’s world-class biomedical research organization is opening a new set of postdoctoral fellowships to recruit top scientific talent. While students can apply to our postdoc program by submitting applications to specific labs, https://go.gene.com/postdoc , the Postdoc Hiring Initiative (PHI) is an exciting opportunity that enables students to apply for a postdoc position in a mentor’s lab that does not have a current opening.

More About Genentech’s Postdoc Program:

At Genentech, we aim to solve the world’s most complex health challenges, which requires courage and adaptability. We follow the science for the benefit of society, cultivating and unifying the greatest minds, within and beyond our diverse network, to improve the lives of all patients.

As the founders of biotechnology, we have pushed the boundaries of science for more than 40 years, discovering and developing medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases.

Postdoctoral Fellows at Genentech:

We seek talented, motivated recent and pending PhD graduates to join us as Postdoctoral Fellows and key contributors to our mission. Genentech’s Postdoctoral Program will give you the chance to work on fundamental biomedical research in order to unlock key mysteries of science. With an emphasis on rigorous scientific training and a collaborative environment, you’ll explore new ideas, develop new technologies, make cutting-edge discoveries, and publish your work to the broader scientific community. And you’ll do it while working within one of the most established and talented scientific networks in the world.

Our postdoc program lays the foundation for your career. Once completing their postdoctoral research, our fellows go on to do breakthrough science at Genentech, elsewhere in industry, and in academia. Join more than 1,400 Genentech researchers, scientists and postdocs working towards a common vision to discover transformative therapies through cutting edge science.

Powered by Our Experiences:

At Genentech, we focus on fostering belonging for our people, advancing inclusive research and health equity for all patients, and transforming society by investing in transformative partnerships that strengthen diversity and inclusion across healthcare, education and within all communities.

Remaining one of the world’s top biomedical research institutions requires us to innovate at all levels, utilizing unique perspectives and backgrounds, in order to improve the outcomes for our patients. For this, it is imperative that we advance and boldly champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across our research community.

Help us transform society. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from historically underrepresented groups.

Who You Are:

Recent or pending PhD graduate in a relevant field of science. Preferred Majors/Disciplines: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Data Science/Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology or other related disciplines.

Graduate student applicants should be within 12 months of completing their PhD. Completed their graduate degree within 3 years are also eligible.

At least one first-author research publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or currently in press.

A demonstrated ability to think critically, work independently, and solve complex problems

Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills

Requirements:

Please follow the instructions below carefully.

Title Your PDF “First Name_Last Name_PHI_Application

Please bundle your CV and Cover Letter into one single PDF when applying and do NOT send separate attachments,

Additional materials will not be considered and their inclusion will slow down the evaluation process.

CV to include:

Previous research, educational and other relevant experiences

Full publication list, including “ in-press” and recently submitted papers

Contact information for three professional references

Cover Letter to include:

Start each section of your cover letter with the appropriate heading and number of the question that you are addressing (e.g. #1 Personal Statement, #2 Mentors, etc.). We ask that you do NOT write your cover letter in the typical biographical essay format, instead follow the guidelines stated below.

1. Personal Statement: summarize your background and interests (400 words max)

2. Mentors: identify three Genentech postdoc mentors with whom you are interested

in working with and describe why (200 words max). https://go.gene.com/PostdocMentors

3. Potential Project: write a brief description of a potential project, set of

scientific questions or experiments that you would be excited to pursue at

Genentech (200 words max)

4. Overcoming Obstacles: tell us about a time when you overcame a

challenging obstacle in science, career or life, and describe what you did to address it

(200 words max)

How to Apply

Applications are due on Friday, June 14, 2024 12:00pm (PDT) and must include the single pdf with the CV and cover letter addressing the 4 questions above. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For all other inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Connect with us:

Contact us: 9a-5p, M-F | 134 Mary Gates Hall | Seattle, WA 98195 | (206) 543-0535 tel | [email protected]

The Division of Student Life acknowledges the Coast Salish people of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. Student Life is committed to developing and maintaining an inclusive climate that honors the diverse array of students, faculty, and staff. We strive to provide pathways for success and to purposefully confront and dismantle existing physical, social, and psychological barriers for minoritized students and communities. We engage in this work while learning and demonstrating cultural humility.